Wingspan 12 to 14 mm, the adults are similar to E. subsequana, but have a noticeable whitish patch on the inner area of the hindwing. Males can further be distinguished by their comb-like antennae.

Occurs around coniferous forests and plantations.

Flying from April to June.

The larvae feed on the needles of coniferous trees, particularly Spruce (Picea) and European Silver Fir (Abies alba). Initially they mine the needles, but later spin them together with silk and feed within.

Widespread but quite local in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

It appears to be rare in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).